The fifth episode in the Spotlight on Community Engagement and Involvement podcast series from the NIHR focuses on how health research can meaningfully engage Indigenous and native communities. Host Razina Hussain is joined by NIHR-funded researchers Renata Peppl, Daisy Bin Co, Iliana Curiel, and Monsermín Gualan, who share their experiences of conducting community engagement and involvement (CEI) in Latin America.
Together, they discuss the importance of building trust, respecting cultural knowledge, overcoming language and logistical barriers, and ensuring that Indigenous voices are not only heard but centred in global health research. The episode highlights the need for long-term, reciprocal relationships and explores how research can be adapted to local worldviews and traditional practices.
Voiceovers for Daisy and Iliana were provided by Lucia Alvarez and Ana Lorena Guerrero.
🔍 Topics Covered
- Understanding “leave no one behind” from a local and cultural perspective
- Navigating power dynamics in research partnerships
- Integrating Indigenous worldviews, languages, and practices
- Challenges of digital access and geographic isolation
- Building trust and sustaining long-term community relationships
- Adapting methods for culturally appropriate CEI
Dementia Researcher
Dr Clíona Farrell